Takeda Castle Ruins

The Takeda Castle Ruins (竹田城跡), located in Asago City in the northern part of Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, are the remains of a once-majestic mountain castle perched atop a hill. The ruins are particularly famous for their ethereal appearance on foggy mornings, earning them the nickname “Castle in the Sky.”

The Takeda Castle was built in 1441 by Otagaki Mitsukage, a retainer of the Yamana clan. It was later ruled by the Takeda clan, who expanded and strengthened the castle during the Sengoku period. However, due to political changes in the early Edo period, the castle was abandoned in 1600 and gradually fell into ruin.

Today, visitors can hike up to the castle ruins, a journey of approximately 20-30 minutes, to experience the majestic atmosphere and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The castle’s well-preserved stone walls, foundations, and gates stand as a testament to its former grandeur. The best time to visit the ruins is during autumn when the foliage creates a stunning backdrop of red and yellow leaves, or during the early morning hours from September to November when the “sea of clouds” phenomenon is most likely to occur.

In addition to the castle ruins, visitors can explore the nearby Takeda Castle Ruins Observation Deck for unobstructed views of the castle and the surrounding scenery. The area also offers opportunities for hiking in the surrounding mountains and forests.

Getting there

By Train

• From JR Himeji Station, take the JR Bantan Line to Takeda Station (about 90-110 minutes, 1170 yen)
• Transfer required at Teramae Station

From Takeda Station to the Castle Ruins

On foot:

• About 40 minutes steep uphill walk from behind the station

By bus:

• Take the Tenku Bus to Takeda Castle Ruins bus stop (about 20 minutes, 260 yen)
• 20-minute walk from the bus stop to the castle entrance

By taxi:

• About 15 minutes from Takeda Station to near the castle entrance (around 2000 yen)

By Car

• Multiple free parking lots available in town
• About 40-minute walk from Yamashiro no Sato parking lot to the castle entrance

Details

Hours	April 1st to May 31st / 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM June 1st to August 31st / 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM September 1st to 22nd / 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM September 23rd to November 30th / 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM December 1st to January 3rd / 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM Reception closes 30 minutes before closing time.
Admission	Adults: 500 yen
Phone	+81 79-672-4003
Address	169 Takeda, Wadayama-cho, Asago-shi, Hyogo-ken, 669-5252
Official Website	https://www.city.asago.hyogo.jp/site/takeda/